ECRL Gombak Tunnel Breakthrough Celebrated, Marking Significant Milestone for Project Completion

29 October 2024

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project today celebrated a significant milestone with the ECRL Gombak Tunnel Breakthrough ceremony, marking the successful completion of the tunnel’s excavation. The event was officiated by Selangor Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, and attended by prominent figures including Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL) Managing Director, Kong Qi, Selangor State Executive Councillors, and senior officials from the ECRL Project.  

The Gombak Tunnel, which achieved its breakthrough a month ahead of schedule, is the 36th ECRL tunnel to be successfully excavated. The final blast at the tunnel’s entrance portal broke through the last barrier, signifying the successful completion of the excavation process.   

Excavation works for the Gombak Tunnel commenced in June 2023 and were initially scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2024. All related civil works for the tunnel are expected to be fully completed by March 2025.  

The successful completion of the Gombak Tunnel is a significant step forward in the ECRL project, bringing the nation closer to realizing the benefits of a modern and efficient rail network. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of all involved and reinforces the commitment to delivering a project that will benefit Malaysia for generations to come.

ECRL Celebrates Bentong Tunnel 2 Breakthrough

24 October 2024

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) celebrated a major milestone with the Bentong Tunnel 2 Breakthrough Ceremony at Section 7. This event was attended by distinguished guests, including Dato Sri Darwis, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd (MRL), CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Mr. Kong Qi, and key project leaders.

Bentong Tunnel 2 is the last conventional drill-and-blast tunnel in Section 7, marking a pivotal achievement for the ECRL project. With the completion of this tunnel, 35 out of the 39 tunnels along the entire ECRL alignment are now finished. This milestone represents the full completion of conventional tunnels in Sections A, B, and C1, clearing the way for the next critical phase – track-laying.

The tunnel’s construction presented several challenges, including a shallow burial depth of just 13 meters and difficult geological conditions of mudstone, sandstone, silt, and isolated rocks. Overcoming these obstacles highlights the resilience and expertise of the construction teams.

In recognition of the workers’ dedication, a special appreciation ceremony was held, where food and drinks were distributed to the tunnel workers, underscoring the project’s commitment to valuing every contribution.

With this breakthrough, the ECRL project moves closer to completion, promising to deliver this vital infrastructure on schedule.

Menteri Besar of Terengganu Visits Chukai and Kemasik ECRL Stations

4 September 2024

In a significant milestone for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, we had the distinct honor of welcoming the Menteri Besar of Terengganu, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri bin Mokhtar, to our stations in Chukai and Kemasik. This visit marks a momentous occasion as the Menteri Besar took the opportunity to witness firsthand the progress being made on this transformative infrastructure project.

Upon arriving at the Chukai and Kemasik ECRL stations, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri was briefed on the current status of construction, the challenges faced, and the future milestones that will pave the way for the successful completion of the project. During his tour of the construction sites, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri emphasized the state government’s commitment to supporting infrastructure developments that will benefit the people of Terengganu. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders to ensure the timely and successful completion of the ECRL project.

The ECRL is set to be a game-changer for Terengganu, and the visit of the Menteri Besar underscores its importance to the state. The ECRL project will not only enhance connectivity between the East Coast and other parts of Malaysia but will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth, bringing new opportunities for businesses and communities throughout Terengganu.

Mangrove Restoration Program and River Educational Trip along Sungai Klang

15 August 2024

Klang, we embarked on a meaningful CSR program, a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability, combined river cleanup efforts with educational outreach, aiming to foster a sense of responsibility and action within the community. 

The day unfolded with a boat ride to Sungai Klang, where we engaged in a hands-on water quality monitoring session, gaining valuable insights into the river’s health. This was followed by a visit to Interceptor 002 and 005, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our waterways. Our journey continued with a mangrove cleanup and replanting initiative, where participants actively contributed to restoring this vital ecosystem. These activities not only served to improve the immediate environment but also served as a powerful educational experience, highlighting the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the impact of human activities on their health.

This event was a platform to foster community engagement and create a collective sense of ownership over Sungai Klang. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, we aimed to bridge the gap between environmental awareness and action, fostering a deeper understanding of the river’s importance and our responsibility for protecting it.

Celebrating 50 Years of Friendship: Malaysia and China Unite for ECRL Project

19 June 2024

Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China’s Premier Li Qiang attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak Integrated Terminal station, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.

Premier Li emphasized the strong relationship between the two nations, highlighting the new blueprint for China-Malaysia relations developed by Prime Minister Anwar and Chinese President Xi Jinping. “Standing at a new historical starting point, China-Malaysia friendship is like this continuous railway track, spanning mountains and seas, with a promising future,” he said. He encouraged both nations to seize opportunities and expand cooperation in various sectors, including policy communication, trade, financial integration, and cultural exchanges.

The ECRL, set for completion by the end of 2026, will traverse Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, significantly enhancing Malaysia’s transportation network. The 20-station line is expected to boost connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the region.

Premier Li’s visit to Malaysia, his first since taking office in March 2023, reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing, promising continued cooperation and mutual development.

The ceremony ended with optimism for the future, as both nations looked forward to the completion of the ECRL and the numerous benefits it will bring.

Visit by the Director General of Immigration Malaysia, YBHG. Dato’ Ruslin bin Jusoh & delegation to ECRL Kuantan Project Site.

9 June 2024

YBHG. Dato’ Ruslin bin Jusoh, Director General of Immigration Malaysia, graced our ECRL Kuantan site with his esteemed delegation, embarking on a journey of discovery and insight into our ongoing projects. Their visit was marked by a meaningful schedule: a comprehensive project site briefing at section 10, a visit to the Control and Reporting Centre of Communications (CROCC) with a detailed presentation by Mr. Wu LiZhu, the dedicated General Manager of Section 10 from CCC.

The delegation’s experience was further enriched by a short, but thrilling ride on a track rail car, where they had a firsthand encounter with the completed railway infrastructure at Kuantan Port City. To cap off their visit, they explored the intricate construction work at the Kuantan Tunnel, witnessing the dedication and expertise that go into shaping the landscape of modern transportation infrastructure. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Immigration Department of Malaysia for taking the time to engage with our projects, as their insights and observations are invaluable contributions to our ongoing journey of development and progress. Thank you for your visit, and here’s to continued collaboration and growth in our shared pursuits.

The Commencement Ceremony of ECRL System Construction

9 May 2024

At a ceremony today, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) launched the ECRL system construction phase, marking a significant advancement in the project’s timeline. This phase, which includes electrification, traction power supply, overhead catenary system, signaling and telecommunication systems, represents the final stage of construction before testing and commissioning. These systems are essential components of modern railway infrastructure, serving as the backbone for safe, efficient, and reliable train operations.

The commencement ceremony was attended by over 60 VIPs and distinguished guests including CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Mr Kong Qi, CCC-ECRL’s Deputy Project Director cum Chief Engineer Mr Deng Bo, CCC-ECRL’s Deputy Project General Manager Mr Chen XuTao, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Project Director Noor Azlan Bin Salleh, representatives from various sections and etc.

The telecommunication system of the ECRL is built on the LTE-R standard, leading the way in wireless telecommunications for extensive railway networks. Furthermore, the signaling system utilizes the CTCS-2 train control system, known for its advanced features and reliability. These systems enable seamless data exchange between trains and the track, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring reliable train tracking and prioritizing the safety of train operations.

Expressing gratitude to MRL, associates and colleagues, CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Kong Qi emphasized the project’s commitment to creating a high-standard, sustainable railway system for the East Coast of Malaysia. As the ‘Number One Project’ of China Communications Construction Group, the ECRL project aligns with the philosophy of ‘Connecting Lives, Accelerating Growth’. The aim is to construct a green, fast, comfortable, and high-quality railway network that contributes to the socioeconomic development of the region. With a focus on excellence, safety, and environmental sustainability, the project team is dedicated to making the ECRL System Construction phase a benchmark for quality and reliability.

CCC-ECRL Honors 20 Local Vendors with Award of Excellence for Outstanding Project Contributions

2 April 2024

China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) recently honoured the prestigious Award of Excellence 2024 upon 20 esteemed local vendors, including FLT Machinery Sdn Bhd, HSS Integrated Sdn Bhd, Costwin Construction Sdn Bhd, Libertium Construction Sdn Bhd, and HULS Transmission Sdn Bhd, who graced the awards ceremony with their presence. This distinguished accolade recognizes their exceptional achievements in areas such as Health, Safety, and Environment Management, Quality Management, Project Management, and Resource Allocation.

The collaborative efforts between CCC-ECRL and esteemed local vendors like FLT Machinery Sdn Bhd and Libertium Construction Sdn Bhd have been lauded for their unwavering commitment to excellence and quality. This commitment to delivering a superior railway system to the people of Malaysia underscores the significance of fostering partnerships with local vendors to drive economic growth and create valuable employment opportunities.

The partnership between CCC-ECRL and these local vendors underscores the importance of collaboration in delivering a top-notch railway system to Malaysia, creating economic opportunities and fostering growth in the local infrastructure sector. Congratulations once again to all the outstanding vendors. hope that we can continue working together to ensure the smooth operation of the ECRL project and pave the way for its successful operation in 2027.

IEM’s Conference (SEACETUS 2024) Site Visit To Serendah Tunnel

7 March 2024

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), in collaboration with the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, proudly presents the Southern Asian Conference (SEACETUS) 2024 with the theme “Innovation and Sustainable Underground Space Development” from the 5th to the 7th of March 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This esteemed event aims to unite professionals and experts in the field to explore advancements and best practices in tunneling and underground space engineering.

On the 7th of March 2024, 20 delegates from IEM had the unique opportunity to delve deeper into the construction and operation of the Serendah tunnel. Situated in Serendah, Rawang, the tunnel spans 10 km and is managed by Section 8 CCC. The visit provided a hands-on experience for attendees to witness innovative techniques and sustainable practices employed in underground space development.

As participants explored the Serendah Tunnel, they were guided through various stages of tunnel construction, from excavation to lining and finishing. Experts and project engineers were on hand to elucidate the engineering principles, structural design considerations, and safety measures implemented to ensure the functionality and longevity of the tunnel.

Furthermore, the site visit facilitated interactive sessions where participants could engage with industry professionals, pose questions, and exchange ideas on best practices and emerging trends in tunneling and underground space engineering. This interactive learning environment fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in underground space development, inspiring collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants.

Wildlife Friendly Infrastructure ECRL Project Site Visit to Kemasul Forest Reserve, Temerloh Pahang

4 – 5 March 2024

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal (DNPWC), and the Ministry of Road and Transport Development, Mongolia (MRTD), recently sent a letter to WWF-Malaysia expressing their interest in visiting the sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure project site of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. The successful implementation of green infrastructure in projects such as the Genting-Gombak-Serendah for the ECRL project has attracted attention from delegations in Nepal and Mongolia. Together, we engaged in an experience-sharing session and technical site visit on March 4th and 5th.

The first day of the event involved a visit to the CCC-ECRL HQ office, where the guests were presented with insights about the ECRL project’s efforts to implement wildlife-friendly infrastructure. They learned about our strategies for managing wildlife and biodiversity, ensuring minimal disruption to the migration of wild animals and the fragmentation of habitats. A Q&A session provided an opportunity for in-depth discussion and clarification.

On the second day, the delegation visited Section 6, specifically the Wildlife Box Culvert located in the Kemasul Forest Reserve in Temerloh, Pahang. This site visit offered a firsthand look at the practical implementation of environmentally friendly infrastructure within the ECRL project.

We are committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the realm of sustainable infrastructure development and conservation efforts, and we look forward to further opportunities for partnership and shared learning.